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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Let the Dead Speak (Maeve Kerrigan, #7) in Books
Feb 19, 2018
This is the 7th novel in the Maeve Kerrigan series, but only the second one I have read. I have to say that I am really enjoying this series. The characters are very well rounded and realistic, and the procedural aspect of the mystery is detailed enough to make me feel as though I’m right there in the thick of things.
When 18 year old Chloe Emery leaves her father’s house earlier than planned to return home to her mother’s house, she’s greeted with what appears to be the scene of a homicide, but no body. As Maeve and her team dig into the matter, they find more and more suspects, and more people guilty of something, whether to not it be murder, than they know what to do with. The story is suspenseful, deliberately paced, and full of twists. Let the Dead Speak is a must-read for mystery lovers.
When 18 year old Chloe Emery leaves her father’s house earlier than planned to return home to her mother’s house, she’s greeted with what appears to be the scene of a homicide, but no body. As Maeve and her team dig into the matter, they find more and more suspects, and more people guilty of something, whether to not it be murder, than they know what to do with. The story is suspenseful, deliberately paced, and full of twists. Let the Dead Speak is a must-read for mystery lovers.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Class Reunions Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
This, the first book in the Poppy McAllister series, was a five star read for me. Maybe even 6. I loved Poppys continual inner monologue. I loved the way I could actually relate to her. I loved the way she learned to believe in herself. I loved Fig! It was refreshing to have a cat in a cozy series who was so completely self-absorbed and cat-like.
A well-thought-out mystery to top it all off kept me engrossed enough to finish this book in a single sitting. If you enjoy a clever, humorous mystery with a loveable protagonist that you just want good things to happen to, go get yourself a copy of Class Reunions Are Murder. You will not be disappointed.
<i>Note: Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the book.</i>
A well-thought-out mystery to top it all off kept me engrossed enough to finish this book in a single sitting. If you enjoy a clever, humorous mystery with a loveable protagonist that you just want good things to happen to, go get yourself a copy of Class Reunions Are Murder. You will not be disappointed.
<i>Note: Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a free copy of the book.</i>
David McK (3764 KP) rated Day of the Caesars (Eagle #16) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The latest (#16) entry in [a:Simon Scarrow|60636|Simon Scarrow|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1240832197p2/60636.jpg]'s 'Eagle' series of books, with this one taking place just after the death of Emperor Claudius and the ascension of his heir Nero to the Imperial throne.
Despite his best efforts, it's not long before Prefect Cato - and, by extension, Macro - is drawn into the tangled web of conspiracy around that ascension, in particular by a faction that support the claim of Nero's half-brother Britannicus to that throne.
With further reveals around Cato's deceased wife Julia - was she really unfaithful to him? - and with a little bit of further character development for Macro (who is now even beginning to think about settling down!) this I found to be less action-orientated that many of the previous entries in the series, but still an enjoyable read.
Despite his best efforts, it's not long before Prefect Cato - and, by extension, Macro - is drawn into the tangled web of conspiracy around that ascension, in particular by a faction that support the claim of Nero's half-brother Britannicus to that throne.
With further reveals around Cato's deceased wife Julia - was she really unfaithful to him? - and with a little bit of further character development for Macro (who is now even beginning to think about settling down!) this I found to be less action-orientated that many of the previous entries in the series, but still an enjoyable read.
Landscape and Memory
Book
The forest primeval, the river of life, the sacred mount - read 'Landscape and Memory' to have these...
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Death and its Timing: When is Death?
Book
This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This volume provides a series of illuminating...
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Terminator Genisys (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
The Terminator franchise has been as relentless and unstoppable as the series namesake. The first two films written and directed by James Cameron are cinematic icons and made many of the ten best lists when they were released.
The subsequent two films that lacked any input from Cameron and as such paled in comparison with the most recent, “Terminator Salvation” failing to achieve the success of the previous films in the series.
Undaunted, the series is back with “Terminator Genisys”, the first in a planned trilogy before the rights to the series revert back to James Cameron.
The new film shows parts of the final battle by the human resistance as they finally defeat the deadly Skynet system but as fans of the series know, learn that a Terminator was sent back to stop humanities savior John Connor (Jason Clarke), from being born.
As fans known, loyal soldier Kyle Reese (jai Courtney) volunteers to travel back to 1984 to save Sara Connor (Emilia Clarke) and preserve the future but upon his arrival in 1984, Reese learns that the mission he has been sent on has changed.
Someone has sent a Terminator back to protect a younger Sarah when she was a child and as such, this Sara is not the naïve waitress Reese had been expecting, rather she is a battle hardened and strong willed woman with a Terminator protector she named “Pops” played by series icon Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This is where any similarities to the original films end as what initially sets up to be moments from the first two films revisited in a new timeline quickly changes and moves to 2017 where Sara, Reese, and Pops, learn that Skynet is about to go live and accomplish the start of Judgement Day which puts the heroes in a race against time and overwhelming odds to save humanity.
This time however there are several new wrinkles to the mix as well as some epic action sequences that have been sorely missing from the series since Cameron’s departure. The 3D effects are solid but note that they are converted from a 2D source and the film was not shot with 3D cameras.
What really worked well for me was the fact that the film is very respectful to the source material and while telling a new chapter to the story does not do much to undermine the impact and the legacy of the first two films. It was reported that James Cameron himself has endorsed this film and had called it the third film in the series.
The action is solid from an epic bus chase to intense firefights across the timelines the film grabs your attention the way the best summer films do and takes you on an epic thrill ride. Action and effects aside, what really makes the film work is the cast. The characters are strong and well portrayed and mix humanity, empathy, and self-sacrifice in the manner to which the characters have been established.
Reese and Sara are strong and determined and in a twist, have a more complicated relationship in this timeline than had been previously established. Of course the star of the film is Schwarzenegger and he knows this character inside and out. From the stoic and intense action sequences to the rivalry and distrust he and Reese share which grows into a solid respect. Arnold knows what audiences want and delivers it again and again. Despite the years, he still remains the backbone of the series and it is great to see him back in form.
While some may have issues with a rebooted timeline to propel future films, there were enough great moments in the film and plenty of entertainments for me not only to recommend the film, but to say bring on the next chapter.
http://sknr.net/2015/07/01/terminator-genisys/
The subsequent two films that lacked any input from Cameron and as such paled in comparison with the most recent, “Terminator Salvation” failing to achieve the success of the previous films in the series.
Undaunted, the series is back with “Terminator Genisys”, the first in a planned trilogy before the rights to the series revert back to James Cameron.
The new film shows parts of the final battle by the human resistance as they finally defeat the deadly Skynet system but as fans of the series know, learn that a Terminator was sent back to stop humanities savior John Connor (Jason Clarke), from being born.
As fans known, loyal soldier Kyle Reese (jai Courtney) volunteers to travel back to 1984 to save Sara Connor (Emilia Clarke) and preserve the future but upon his arrival in 1984, Reese learns that the mission he has been sent on has changed.
Someone has sent a Terminator back to protect a younger Sarah when she was a child and as such, this Sara is not the naïve waitress Reese had been expecting, rather she is a battle hardened and strong willed woman with a Terminator protector she named “Pops” played by series icon Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This is where any similarities to the original films end as what initially sets up to be moments from the first two films revisited in a new timeline quickly changes and moves to 2017 where Sara, Reese, and Pops, learn that Skynet is about to go live and accomplish the start of Judgement Day which puts the heroes in a race against time and overwhelming odds to save humanity.
This time however there are several new wrinkles to the mix as well as some epic action sequences that have been sorely missing from the series since Cameron’s departure. The 3D effects are solid but note that they are converted from a 2D source and the film was not shot with 3D cameras.
What really worked well for me was the fact that the film is very respectful to the source material and while telling a new chapter to the story does not do much to undermine the impact and the legacy of the first two films. It was reported that James Cameron himself has endorsed this film and had called it the third film in the series.
The action is solid from an epic bus chase to intense firefights across the timelines the film grabs your attention the way the best summer films do and takes you on an epic thrill ride. Action and effects aside, what really makes the film work is the cast. The characters are strong and well portrayed and mix humanity, empathy, and self-sacrifice in the manner to which the characters have been established.
Reese and Sara are strong and determined and in a twist, have a more complicated relationship in this timeline than had been previously established. Of course the star of the film is Schwarzenegger and he knows this character inside and out. From the stoic and intense action sequences to the rivalry and distrust he and Reese share which grows into a solid respect. Arnold knows what audiences want and delivers it again and again. Despite the years, he still remains the backbone of the series and it is great to see him back in form.
While some may have issues with a rebooted timeline to propel future films, there were enough great moments in the film and plenty of entertainments for me not only to recommend the film, but to say bring on the next chapter.
http://sknr.net/2015/07/01/terminator-genisys/
A Serial Killers Obsession ( Heart of Darkness book 2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
I came here for HER. Hardly sleeping, hardly human, I walked into the Lion's Den. Once I...
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Dark Prophecy in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Please read the first book in the series before delving into this one, otherwise, you will be very confused. I would recommend this book to middle grade/young adult readers who have enjoyed Rick Riordan's other novel, mythology, fantasy or action/adventure books.
It was really great to see Apollo's character continue to develop throughout the book. As time passes, he learns what it means to be human and begins to understand mortality. As a god, he was always removed from a situation - sending worthy Demi-gods to do his bidding without a care for their safety or lives. As Lester, he develops relationships with other people and learns to truly care about their wellbeing.
Although this series is called the Trials of Apollo, and Apollo himself would be quite insulted that I suggest he is not sufficiently impressive to carry this book - but there is not enough Percy Jackson. I am glad however, that there is a lot of Leo. He is hilarious and I am so happy to get to spend more time battling monsters and immortals with one of the Seven.
The endings feel like they come out of no-where, which is exactly how I felt rereading the first book in this series. Although the end of the book's plot follows the typical action-filled climax, conclusion of event and a short "how things have changed" final few pages - I will be reading, turn the last page and be confused when all I see are the terms in the glossary, rather than another chapter. It feels abrupt and I wish that there would be more to the end. The final pages feel like they're the end of a chapter rather than a book.
It was really great to see Apollo's character continue to develop throughout the book. As time passes, he learns what it means to be human and begins to understand mortality. As a god, he was always removed from a situation - sending worthy Demi-gods to do his bidding without a care for their safety or lives. As Lester, he develops relationships with other people and learns to truly care about their wellbeing.
Although this series is called the Trials of Apollo, and Apollo himself would be quite insulted that I suggest he is not sufficiently impressive to carry this book - but there is not enough Percy Jackson. I am glad however, that there is a lot of Leo. He is hilarious and I am so happy to get to spend more time battling monsters and immortals with one of the Seven.
The endings feel like they come out of no-where, which is exactly how I felt rereading the first book in this series. Although the end of the book's plot follows the typical action-filled climax, conclusion of event and a short "how things have changed" final few pages - I will be reading, turn the last page and be confused when all I see are the terms in the glossary, rather than another chapter. It feels abrupt and I wish that there would be more to the end. The final pages feel like they're the end of a chapter rather than a book.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Queen's Accomplice (Maggie Hope Mystery, #6) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I enjoy a 'nice' murder (as my mother likes to say!), so I was happy to read and review this through the Amazon Vine programme. I realised it was part of a series, but when I got to it I found it was a fair few books in (6th I think) and the beginning was a little confusing as there is quite a strong 'through' story as well as the plot for this particular instalment. At the other end of the spectrum, this also meant that there were plot threads left hanging at the end - obviously to pull you into purchasing the next book! Sometimes in a series you can pick things up fairly easily even if you happen upon it in the middle, but I would suggest not so much with this one.
Overall it was well written and pretty gripping. It was rather gruesome though as the murderer was certifiably nuts and the victims butchered. It's also a book full of misogyny, so it's not comfortable to read. Yes, I know that's how things were, but it got to the point that it was so gruesome and so hard on women I was losing the enjoyment/relaxation that I want from reading a good novel.
On the murders, I was certain fairly early on who it had to be. I've deduced successfully in other novels, but then kept on wondering if I had it right, where here I never doubted it. I suppose part of this is personal taste - I prefer something like an Agatha Christie where the clues are all there and you can try and work things out rather than a blood-and-guts thriller. Your mileage may vary!
To conclude, well written, good characterisation, but a bit gory for my taste and I don't think I'll read any more in the series.
Overall it was well written and pretty gripping. It was rather gruesome though as the murderer was certifiably nuts and the victims butchered. It's also a book full of misogyny, so it's not comfortable to read. Yes, I know that's how things were, but it got to the point that it was so gruesome and so hard on women I was losing the enjoyment/relaxation that I want from reading a good novel.
On the murders, I was certain fairly early on who it had to be. I've deduced successfully in other novels, but then kept on wondering if I had it right, where here I never doubted it. I suppose part of this is personal taste - I prefer something like an Agatha Christie where the clues are all there and you can try and work things out rather than a blood-and-guts thriller. Your mileage may vary!
To conclude, well written, good characterisation, but a bit gory for my taste and I don't think I'll read any more in the series.